Jamboree Parade Features 73 Units

MIAMI — The granddaddy of South Florida`s parades will make its annual strut through the city on New Year`s Eve with 73 marching units and a viewing audience estimated to be in the millions.

This year`s King Orange Jamboree Parade, now in its 52nd year, kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on a two-mile course through the downtown area.

Parade-goers are urged to arrive early to find convenient parking and good viewing sites.

``If people get here at least an hour before the parade, there will be plenty of parking,`` said Roger Carlton, director of Miami`s Off Street Parking Authority, which has room for about 4,500 cars at nearby garages and lots.

Grand Marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse will preside over the parade`s theme of the year, ``A Dream Is A Wish.``

Among the marching bands are the University of Oklahoma`s ``The Pride of Oklahoma`` and Penn State`s ``Blue Band`` in a musical preview of the Orange Bowl football game on New Year`s Day.

The J.P. Taravella High School marching band of Coral Springs also will perform.

The parade starts at Biscayne Boulevard and Southeast Second Street. It proceeds north on the east lane of Biscayne Boulevard to Northeast Fifth Street, south on the west lane of Biscayne Boulevard to Flagler Street and west on Flagler to the dispersal area near the Dade County Courthouse.

Spectators without reserved bleacher seats are restricted to the west side of Biscayne Boulevard and either side of Flagler Street.

Parking is available at nearby city parking garages and lots. Best bets are garage No. 3, 190 NE Third St. and garage No. 4, 100 SE Second St., as well as lots just west and south of garage No. 3, lots just east of Biscayne Boulevard near the MacArthur Causeway overpass, and the Grand Prix racecourse lot at Biscayne Boulevard near Northeast Eighth Street.

Those who like to watch parades from the comfort of their easy chair can view it on television.

WSVN (Channel 7) will provide local coverage from 7:30 until 8 p.m. and network coverage from 8 p.m. until 9 p.m. WTVJ (Channel 4) will provide local coverage from 7:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.